Whaddya mean it cost you nothing? Did you steal it LOL?

 

I'll take a Midol if you take a reality pill. Deal?

 

All merrick is saying is that he obtained equipment without paying money down at the outset.

Still amazes me that almost a year later people still think Steve has some sort of unfair advantage in starting out, when all he really did was do it right. Wish I could have had the foresight to visualize a dream earlier in life and work/save to make it happen financially easily when the time came. I'm guessing alot of those years of preparation for him were no picnic. In addition, he probably could return to his previous profession and earn more than most of us, leaving no outstanding debt from his trucking. (if anyone needed one more reason to be jealous)

 

You probably meant, "paying off his all outstanding debt from his trucking"? :P
Actually, I'm pretty much sure, that's what he will do, in a couple of years period, when the fun wears out!

No offence Steve, actually, that's kind of a compliment! 8)

 

Nothing like a backhanded compliment to make someone's day.

 

Don't worry Solo I don't understand half the time what I'm saying myself.

 

+1 Solo.

I don't think he has an unfair advantage and I agree, he did do right IMO. All that bugs me (and plenty of others if you recall) is this business about "zero" equipment costs. I don't know why people can't see that.

I have nooooo problem with taking time to put yourself first, but for pete's sake, let's not pretend for one second that's the norm.

But, I've said my piece already.

 

OK Merrick, with Rambler's help, I think I understand. You've got a low/no interest loan on the equipment and you didn't have to put any money down is that it? Sweet deal that.

Sure, when you pay it off you have the assets....whatever it's worth. I find if you ammortize the equipment over a timeframe that you can afford (i.e payment size), it's pretty much worn out when you're done so your asset isn't all that much.

The exception to that may be trailers.....which is probably why companies like Landstar will rent you a trailer but they won't rent you a truck.

 

I think everyone is trying to compare apples to oranges. For someone that is paying cash for all equipment to get started should be looking at the ROI ( Return on Investment ). In this case, to look at "profit" is looking at things thru rose colored glasses. Steve, do you pay yourself ( the "investor" back for the money you put up to get started? With a fair profit for the risk involved? Could you hire another driver to drive the truck and still consider the investment a good investment?

For those who have to make truck payments ect..... ROI won't work too well for a true picture. If you get some kind of "No Money Down" deal then after expenses ( and paying yourself ) any amount left over is a 100% ROI because you had nothing invested.


All of you have valid points but please consider you are ALL in different situtations.

 

I would like to thank all of you for your comments and opinions, it has been very informative to say the least.
For what it's worth my Brother inlaw says his cost per mile is .60 pm.
I still have a month or so to make up my mind, I will talk with him and try to get a good idea of what his net is on average. He's been driving
for thirty years and he has been with his present company for the last
eight. He pretty much runs the same area every week so he should be
able to give me a accurate estimate as to what I will be making.
Thanks again.